ICC reject universal DRS application

Last update The 27/06/2012 at 15:03 - Published on 27/06/2012 at 22:26

By PA Sport - The 27/06/2012 at 15:03

The universal application of the Decision Review System in international cricket has again been put off, with the recommendation being rejected by the International Cricket Council's executive board.

India, whose financial clout and political influence within the game give them a position of pre-eminence over such decisions, have been notable opponents to DRS, with a number of key players having registered doubts about its accuracy.

Most other full member nations have come out in support of a mandatory DRS system, but India's preference for a bi-lateral agreement between playing sides will now remain in place for the foreseeable future. A change to universal DRS had been recommended by the ICC cricket committee and supported by the chief executives committee.

An ICC statement from Wednesday's meeting read: "Whilst approving the recommendations of the chief executives committee relating to the inclusion of Hot Spot cameras as part of the minimum specifications for the Decision Review System (DRS) and the amendment of the LBW protocols regarding the 'margin of uncertainty', the ICC Board agreed to continue with the present arrangement where the two competing nations in a bi-lateral series decide on the use of DRS."

That arrangement essentially bolsters the review system when in use but allows India - or any other boards who disagree with its implementation - to opt out.

The England and Wales Cricket Board are among the most vocal advocates of DRS and had been particularly keen for it to be used in the four-Test series in India this autumn. That now looks a virtual certainty not to happen.

The executive board agreed other recommendations, including minor alterations to the playing conditions for one-day internationals. The bowling powerplay has been ditched, fielding restrictions have been tightened to allow four men outside the 30-yard ring during non-powerplay overs and bowlers will be allowed two short-pitched deliveries per over.

It was also noted that "there was no objection to the introduction of day/night Test cricket dependent on the agreement of both participating teams. The issue of corruption also received its customary airing, with the ECB's handling of the spot-fixing cases against Danish Kaneria and Mervyn Westfield being supported.

Former Pakistan spinner Kaneria was given a life ban and Westfield five-year ban, commuted to three years for club cricket.

There was also significant good news for leading associate nations Ireland and Scotland, with each granted US Dollars 500,000 in additional funding.